LBW #79, "To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord" (NRSV)
Read LBW #79, "To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord" on biblegateway.com
Devotion
On Sunday, Dec 7, 1940, Pearl Harbor was attacked. Perhaps some of the military had gone to worship; others were relaxing. There did not appear to be any immediate danger; Japan was far away. Suddenly the sirens, bombs and explosions made our nation aware that we need to be diligent lest our freedom be lost.
The Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons are urgent reminders of Someone's coming, not to bring death, but life; not to bring slavery, but freedom. Instead of fear, we can live by faith and hope that are sure.
The Good News from Mark 1:4-11 is the coming of one not to enslave but to free us from all that would destroy and tear down our life, our family and our world. The arrival of a child, God's son baptized in the river Jordan, brings a song of new life that awaits us, a light overcoming darkness, and a hope that is eternal.
Prayer
Gracious God, as you wash us clean and fill us with hope and a new song, remind us that you set us free to walk in your way and live in your light. Amen.